Baking Secrets for a Stress-Free Christmas
Between end-of-year school events, work parties, social catch-ups, teacher gifts, and family celebrations, October is the sweet spot for prep.
Here’s how I manage to stay sane and keep the baking magic alive:
1. Bake Ahead + Freeze Smart
You don’t need to do everything in December. In fact, I bake the bulk of my christmas goodies for my family now, so I can decorate and package them fresh closer to Christmas.
What freezes well:
- Un-iced biscuits (like gingerbread or shortbread)
- Sponge cakes (wrap them well and freeze before icing)
- Cookie dough (freeze in balls for easy baking)
- Unfilled cupcakes or muffins
- Fruit cake (actually gets better with time!)
When freezing, wrap your items tightly and label everything clearly (trust me, mystery biscuits in December are no fun).
2. Meal Prep for the Busy Months Ahead
By mid-October, school life ramps up. I swear the social calendar doubles in size overnight—and by the time we get home from school, I have about five minutes before my kids start raiding the fridge like little bears just waking from hibernation.
So... preparation is the key, people!
Here’s what I always keep stocked in the freezer:
Spaghetti Sauce
A classic!
Cook the sauce in a big batch, freeze it in portions. Come dinner time, just cook pasta, heat sauce, and dinner is served.
Bonus: Every kid I know will eat this without complaint.
Mexican Chilli Con Carne
This one is a superhero of sauces:
- Serve with rice
- Tacos
- Nachos
- Mexican bowls
- Stuffed capsicums
- Even loaded baked potatoes with cheese, guac, pickled onions... yum.
Marinated Meats
I marinate meats in advance (chicken thighs, steaks, pork fillets) and freeze them in ziplock bags. As they defrost overnight, they soak up all the flavours.
Add a salad or throw some veg on the BBQ—easy, tasty, done.
Bread & Buns
I always keep some bread in the freezer, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. Add cheese, deli meats, pickles or spreads, and you’ve got a fancy sandwich for dinner. There’s no shame in that game!
The Classic Aussie “Can’t Be Bothered” Dinner
Rotisserie chicken + buns + pasta salad from the shops.
Way cheaper than takeaway, and hits the spot every time.
If All Else Fails… Cereal for Dinner
Yep. You heard me.
My kids think cereal for dinner is the best treat ever. If the wheels fall off the wagon—this is the go-to.
Want to Skip the Baking Altogether?
If all of that sounds good but you still feel overwhelmed, I get it.
Let me help. This is my jam (well, technically my gingerbread).
🎄 My Christmas Range is available now and includes:
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies - gift packs + family boxes (here)
- Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Biscuits (here)
- Festive Biscuit Boxes - beautiful royal icing designs (Here)
- Christmas Celebration Pack - includes gingerbread and vanilla biscuits.
- Available individually wrapped (for gifting) or unwrapped (for parties and events) (Here)
- Cupcakes – simple (here) or fancy festive designs (here)
Everything is handmade, packed with love, and ready to gift (or hide for yourself 😉).
Christmas product collection
Order early to avoid missing out!
This Week’s To-Do List:
- Start baking & freezing biscuit dough or un-iced treats
- Plan a few easy weeknight meals to cook & freeze
- Prep marinated meats or sauces in advance
- Take stock of what baking supplies you have (and what you need!)
- Browse my Christmas Collection and pre-order if you’re outsourcing the baking this year
Whether you’re cooking up a storm or pulling frozen muffins from the freezer 10 minutes before the school bake sale — you’re doing amazing.
Let’s make this Christmas delicious, doable, and way less stressful.
